Expert Architects in Cheltenham

You cannot legally call yourself an Architect unless you have completed degree-level training of 5 years and a minimum of 2 years practical training affiliated to an architectural practice. Architects sit professional exams to qualify. A professional architect is responsible for the planning, design and construction of a building or extension. They work collaboratively alongside other professionals such as construction companies, quantity surveyors, structural engineers and Heritage consultants and have a thorough understanding of building regulations. Ashleigh Clarke is a fully qualified and registered Architect with the ARB (Architects Registration Board) which regulates the profession and a member of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects). Both the ARB and RIBA set the standards of ethics and best practice within the industry.

For some smaller, interior renovation projects such as installing a new kitchen or adding fitted wardrobes into a bedroom, you can appoint a builder or carpenter whose vision and expertise you trust. Anyone can call themselves a designer, but only a fully qualified architect is legally allowed to call themselves an architect. You are not legally obliged to use an architect, but it is always a good idea to ensure that you use a trained architectural technician just in case your planned work could potentially interfere with the structural integrity of the existing building. If your building is Listed, you should always engage an architect. If you overlook a neighbouring property, or if you are rethinking best use of space in a planned renovation or reconfiguration, an architect will always be worth the additional cost and the peace of mind that comes with engaging a professional with years of expertise.

As our client, you are in charge of our involvement at all stages of the process. Sometimes we are engaged up to the Planning or Building Regulations stage, and at other times we produce the initial concept drawings, the design and oversee the construction of the entire project. If you choose to take over the construction and site management stage, we can still make site visits to check progress and ensure that everything is going to plan. There is an hourly rate charged for this service.

As Cotswold-based architects, we are specialists with extensive experience in alterations to Listed Buildings. Many of our projects are either Listed or Heritage sites and we offer expert professional advice on sympathetic, architectural alterations to traditional Cotswold buildings. Ashleigh Clarke works in close collaboration with specialist heritage consultants.